Alex James, the bass player and songwriter for the British rock band Blur, is one of the most iconic musicians of the late 20th and early 21st century. He has created a number of memorable songs with the band, including "Coffee and TV," "Song 2," and "Beetlebum." Yet, there are still some facts that even devoted fans may not know about Alex James. Here are 10 facts you never knew about this iconic musician!
1. Alex James was born Alexander James Pursey in Boscombe, England, on November 21, 1968. He chose the stage name Alex James because he wanted to avoid confusion with another musician also named Alex Pursey.
2. Alex James is a self-taught musician. He learned to play guitar, bass, and drums on his own before joining Blur in 1989.
3. Alex James has a degree in English Literature from Goldsmiths College in London.
4. Alex James has a passion for cheese-making. He has been making cheese since 2005, and his cheeses have won several awards.
5. Alex James is an avid reader, and was once a book reviewer for The Times.
6. Alex James has written a number of books, including a memoir and a cookbook.
7. Alex James was the bassist for the band Fat Les, which released the song "Vindaloo" in 1998.
8. Alex James is an active philanthropist, and has supported a number of charities, including the British Red Cross and The Prince's Trust.
9. Alex James is a passionate photographer, and has taken pictures for several publications.
10. Alex James was named one of the 50 most influential people in British culture by the Daily Telegraph in 2003.
These facts about Alex James show just how multi-talented this musician is. From being a self-taught musician to an award-winning cheese-maker, Alex James is truly an icon of modern culture.
